Fir Park has been recognised as one of two Highly Commended pitches in the 2024/25 Pitch of the Season Award.
After significant investment into installing a brand new hybrid pitch back in the summer of 2022, Motherwell became only the fourth Scottish Premiership club to have a hybrid pitch, following Celtic, Hearts and Rangers’ installations in years previous.
The decision was taken to fix a number of issues that would arise every summer when it came to pitch preparations for the next season.
“This is recognition for all the hard work Alan, Derek and their team put in, on a daily basis, to maintain the playing surface at Fir Park,” Chief Executive Brian Caldwell said.
“It’s great that they have been recognised for their exceptionally hard work. The pitch has been in magnificent condition for the entirety of the season, and that is a credit to their efforts and dedication.
“With the pitches now being monitored by the SPFL’s pitch consultants, Propitch, this has raised the standards of all the grass pitches across the top-flight. There has been significant work and expenditure to achieve and maintain the high standards we have set for our playing surface. It’s great news that this has been recognised.”
“I want to thank Derek Young, James Gray, Steven Drummond and all the staff who help us on matchdays for their continued hard work to maintain the playing surface at Fir Park and at the training facilities,” Head Groundsman Alan Carlin added.
“They work around the clock, all year round, to ensure the players have a professional pitch to play football on at the weekend. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Brian Caldwell and the Executive Board for their continued support, which has allowed me to purchase the correct appliances.
“Although the season is drawing to a close, the work begins to ramp up for us during the off-season. This is the part many people don’t see behind the scenes, and it shows the dedication the staff at the club have to producing a surface they can be proud of. It’s nice for everyone to receive this recognition, as it’s thoroughly deserved.”